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The Question
07/13/09 08:50 PM

"When should I see an endocrinologist for diabetes instead of my PCP?"
Asked By: stormyday  
Category: Newly Diagnosed

Background Info Hide
I am having problems regulating Blood sugars and was diagnosed pre diabetic , and shortly afterwards have had two random readings over 250. My Primary care physician has me checking bs 4 times a day, and wants me to bring the results to him in six weeks.He mentioned starting me on a medication possibly at that time. How do I know when I should be seeing an endocrinologist for this instead of PCP? And How do I tell him I want to see one, if I do need to?

Expert Answers (1)

08/14/09 08:44 PM

Since diabetes and prediabetes are diseases affecting a large percentage of the public, most diabetes care is managed by primary care clinicians. In our clinic we have specific guidelines in place for when someone with diabetes can be seen by an endocrinologist, simply due to our lack of endocrine physicians. People with diabetes have to complete our 10 hour diabetes self management training program first and then the primary care provider has already attempted to manage the patient's blood sugar using our insulin guidelines without success. In our facility our endocrinologists would not typically see patients with prediabetes or people with Type 2 diabetes only on oral medication, unless there were other endocrine issues. Primary care clinicians are very capable of managing diabetes. If you do not feel comfortable with a specific clinician, try to find a different one that you can develop a relationship with. There are some clinicians, that although not endocrinologists, they do become experts in diabetes by managing many patients with diabetes. You can contact your local American Diabetes Association, or a local support group to find the name of a clinician that treats many people with diabetes. You certainly want a clinician that is up to date with recent research as the field of diabetes management is changing daily as each new research study is published. Connect with a diabetes educator as they are very knowledgeable and can help you determine if your care is being managed well or if you need help from a specialist. Also, educate yourself by subscribing to journals and reading everything you can. Good luck!
Answered By: Deborah Greenwood
Accreditations: MEd, CNS, BC-ADM, CDE
Sources Show

Community Answers (1)

07/21/09 11:21 PM

I think you need to call the doc 250 are nothing to sneeze at. If he isnt concerned I would ask to see him. I think a drastic change is in order.
Answered By: furball64801
FLAG
SourcesShow



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